INEC to conduct mock accreditation, results upload ahead of FCT Area Council Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock accreditation and results upload exercise ahead of the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

In a statement signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, the commission said the mock exercise is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 7, 2026, across 289 selected polling units between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

According to INEC, the exercise is designed to test the accreditation process and the electronic transmission of results, with a view to ensuring a smooth and hitch-free conduct of the forthcoming Area Council elections.

The electoral umpire encouraged registered voters in the selected polling units to come out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate in the mock exercise, noting that public participation would help strengthen its preparations for the main election.

INEC further disclosed that the list of designated polling units for the mock exercise has been published on its official website.

The commission reassured residents of the FCT of its preparedness to deliver a credible, transparent, and successful Area Council election slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of INEC is currently holding a security meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

INEC said the meeting marks the culmination of a series of engagements held with critical stakeholders since the beginning of the week and is aimed at briefing security agencies on upcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council polls and the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June.

The commission noted that the engagement is also intended to fine-tune security arrangements to ensure the safety of voters, election personnel, and election materials during the polls.

Both the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, are represented at the meeting.

INEC Chairman also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to monitor and curb vote buying and selling, while ensuring strict enforcement of electoral laws before, during, and after the elections.